Dr. Dominik Stefan Mihalits is an interdisciplinary researcher and psychotherapist currently serving as Tenure-Track Assistant Professor at Sigmund Freud University, Vienna, and JSPS Fellow at Ritsumeikan University, Japan. With a background spanning cultural, theoretical, and psychodynamic psychology, Dr. Mihalits’ work bridges psychoanalytic theory and cultural perspectives to explore how individuals and societies navigate the boundaries of experience—especially in the context of “extremes.” As Vice-Dean for International Affairs at SFU and an active psychotherapist, Dr. Mihalits integrates research, teaching, and clinical practice, contributing to the advancement of mental health theory and culturally sensitive approaches in psychology.
Drawing on his interdisciplinary expertise, Dominik has played a leading role in shaping the emerging field of “extreme psychology,” helping to establish it as a distinct area of inquiry within psychological science.
On a personal note, Dominik’s fascination with extremes extends beyond academia: he is passionate about ultra-endurance running, high-altitude mountaineering, expeditions, diving, and other pursuits that test the boundaries of human resilience. These experiences continually inspire his curiosity about human limits, adaptation, and the interplay between challenge and meaning—both in research and in life.